Posted March 18, 2014

The celebration of St. Patrick’s Day began in the most fitting way Saturday, March 15 with Mass at St. Patrick Church in center city Philadelphia. Archbishop Charles Chaput was the main celebrant, joined by many archdiocesan priests of proud Irish heritage. Shortly afterward, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade stepped off in fine fashion along the nearby Benjamin Franklin Parkway. It featured floats, dancers, bagpipers and other musicians, plus many people lining the road who shared in all the fun. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • The young men from Roman Catholic High School’s Ancient Order of Hibernians group (AOH) attend Mass together.

  • Roman Catholic High School students served as flag bearers as the anthems of the United States and Ireland were sung.

  • Father Kevin Gallagher carries the book of Gospels in procession. Behind him is Msgr. Thomas Flanigan, pastor of Corpus Christi Parish, Lansdale.

  • Sister James Anne Feerick, I.H.M., reads the second reading for the Mass.

  • Archbishop Charles Chaput preaches the homily at grand old St. Patrick Church, consecrated in 1871, at 20th and Locust Streets in Philadelphia.

  • Father Edward Brady, pastor St. Anne Parish in Philadelphia, and Father Kevin Gallagher, pastor of St. Denis Parish in Havertown, concelebrate Mass with Archbishop Chaput.

  • Father Kevin Gallagher, chaplain of the St. Patrick’s Day observance and pastor of St. Denis Parish in Havertown, gives communion to Grand Marshal Jim Murray.

  • Father John Kelley, pastor St. Monica Parish in Philadelphia, gives communion during the Mass.

  • John Brady prays at Mass.

  • Father John C. Nguyen leads Archbishop Chaput in the recessional after Mass.

  • Worshipers file out of Mass in front of St. Patrick Church and get ready to head to the parade.

  • Cardinal O’Hara High School’s marching band had the honor of leading the parade.

  • Youngsters lead the way for the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia.

  • The Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia pays tribute to John Stanton, the long-time stalwart pro-life advocate, who recently passed away.

  • The Knights of Columbus march in formation down Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

  • St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal Jimmy Murray tips his cap to the crowd. (Sarah Webb)

  • Members of the Ryan-Kilcoyne School of Irish Dance in Warminster kick up their heels.

  • Thomas Eddis proudly waves the Irish flag as he sits on his father Brian’s shoulders. They’re members of St. Hilary Parish in Rydal.

  • The renowned Fralinger String Band provides the classic Philadelphia soundtrack to the parade.

  • Philadelphia Federal Credit Union sponsors a float that represents the Irish American Museum and famous Irish Americans.

  • Ronald McDonald brings a smile to the parade.

  • The mascot from the former St. Thomas More High School leads school alumni in the parade.

  • St. Patrick makes an appearance at Philadelphia’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in this Catholic Philly file photo.

  • La Salle University grad Erin Carroll was named Miss Mayo for the parade.

  • From left, Krista Gallagher and Katlin Rooney from Little Flower High School met up with friends Jenna Yesenosky and Anika Pulchalski from John W. Hallahan High School to watch the parade.

  • Maggie Harahan from Cara School of Irish Dance and Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Morton dances for spectators while the parade slows.